Reclining chair

ABSTRACT

A reclining chair movable between a normal position wherein the seat extends generally in a horizontal plane and the backrest extends generally in upright position; and a plurality of reclining positions wherein the seat extends at an incline relative to the horizontal and the backrest extends at an angle to the vertical. For purposes of styling as well as to provide effective back and head support depending on the position of the chair, the backrest is formed in two parts including a primary backrest and a secondary backrest which moves from a retracted position behind the primary backrest when the chair is in the normal position, to an extended position beyond the backrest when the chair is moved into what is known as the T.V. position which is a reclined position intermediate the normal and fully reclined positions. Pivotally mounted for movement relative to each other, the backrest and the seat are supported relative to a fixed frame which includes the armrests and the chair base, by means of a balancing link pivotally mounted relative to the frame. Additionally included in the chair is an extendable and retractable footrest including a main footrest for supporting the feet and a secondary footrest for supporting the calves. The footrests are included in a constrained linkage system one end of which is pivotally mounted relative to the seat to be automatically actuated between a fully retracted position hidden under the seat when the chair is in the normal position, and a fully extended position projected forwardly from the seat when the chair is moved to the T.V. position. Actuation of the footrest is achieved through relative movement of the seat and the balancing link which during this phase is restrained against movement relative to the stationary chair frame. Mounting and actuation of the secondary headrest is achieved through a linkage connected to the frame and the primary backrest which is connected to the seat and the balancing link. During movement from the upright to T.V. position, the balancing link is restrained against movement relative to the frame, and the seat and backrest moved together into a reclined position. Continued reclining movement beyond the T.V. position frees the balancing link for movement while also causing the primary backrest to pivot into further reclined position relative to the seat which movement together with the freedom of the balancing link causes the seat to be moved into a further elevated reclining position. When moving between the T.V. and fully reclining position, the secondary backrest undergoes a slight reverse movement to relieve the angle between the secondary backrest and the primary backrest for comfort purposes.

United States Patent 1 91 Rogers, Jr. et al.

[451 Feb. 11,1975

1 1 RECLINING CHAIR [75] Inventors: Walter Clark Rogers, Jr., High Point; Morton Snitzer, Greensboro, both of NC.

[73] Assignee: Royal Development Company, Inc., High Point, N.C.

[22] Filed: May 29, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 364,462

[52] U.S. Cl. 297/316, 297/61 [51] Int. Cl. A47b l/02, A47c 1/02 [58] Field of Search 297/61, 83, 85, 89, 90, 297/91, 316, 324, 341, 342

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,135,547 6/1964 Schliephacke 297/73 3,147,037 9/1964 Schliephacke 297/61 3,433,527 3/1969 Re 297/83 X 3,492,049 1/1970 Fletcher 297/83 X 3,531,156 9/1970 Crawford 297/61 3,537,747 1l/1970 Rogers 297/85 3,558,185 l/l97l Mizelle 297/84 3,572,820 3/1971 Ferguson 297/84 3,652,125 3/1972 Rogers 297/61 Primary Examiner-Paul R. Gilliam Attorney, Agent, or Firm-William E. Mouzavires [5 7] ABSTRACT backrest when the chair is in the normal position, to an extended position beyond the backrest when the chair is moved into what is known as the T.V. position which is a reclined position intermediate the normal and fully reclined positions. Pivotally mounted for movement relative to each other, the backrest and the seat are supported relative to a fixed frame which includes the armrests and the chair base, by means of a balancing link pivotally mounted relative to the frame. Additionally included in the chair is an extendable and retractable footrest including a main footrest for supporting the feet and a secondary footrest for supporting the calves. The footrests are included in a constrained linkage system one end of which is pivotally mounted relative to the seat to be automatically actuated between a fully retracted position hidden under the seat when the chair is in the normal position, and a fully extended position projected forwardly from the seat when the chair is moved to the T.V. position. Actuation of the footrest is achieved through relative movement of the seat and the balancing link which during this phase is restrained against movement relative to the stationary chair frame. Mounting and actuation of the secondary headrest is achieved through a linkage connected to the frame and the primary backrest which is connected to the seat and the balancing link. During movement from the upright to TV. position, the balancing link is restrained against movement relative to the frame, and the seat and backrest moved together into a reclined position. Continued reclining movement beyond the T.V. position frees the balancing link for movement while also causing the primary backrest to pivot into further reclined position relative to the seat which movement together with the freedom of the balancing link causes the seat to be moved into a further elevated reclining position. When moving between the T.V. and fully reclining position, the secondary backrest undergoes a slight reverse movement to relieve the angle between the secondary backrest and the primary backrest for comfort purposes.

15 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures FIG. 4A

PATENTEDF'EBJ I 3,865,432

SHEEI 30F 5 RECLINING CHAIR OBJECTS OF INVENTION The present invention relates to improvements in reclining chairs of the type having a backrest movable between an upright or normal position and a fully reclining position including an intermediate T.V. position; and a footrest automatically movable between a retracted position when the backrest is in the upright position and an extended position when the backrest is in the T.V. position. Additionally, the chair includes a secondary backrest member movable from a retracted position behind the primary backrest member when the chair is in the upright position and an extended position beyond the primary backrest member when the chair is in the T.V. and reclining positions or any positions therebetween.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a new and improved reclining chair of the type described as well as novel linkage systems for use therein.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a reclining chair of the type described which may be designed with a normal seating height for example, approximately 16 to 17 inches, of the seating cushion and which will also accommodate a thick cushion in conformance with present day styling references. I

A further object of the present invention is to provide such a reclining chair which may be designed to meet present day styling requirements as described above and yet also includes a footrest system which may be projected sufficiently forwardly from the chair to support the feet as well as the calves of the chair occupant. Included herein is the provision of such a reclining chair including a footrest which will provide maximum foot and calf support and yet may be retracted into a compact unit that will be hidden under the seat of the chair even when the lower or bottom plane of the chair is raised from the floor to meet present day styling requirements.

Further included herein is the provision of such a chair which may be provided with legs to space the bottom of the chair approximately five inches from the floor and yet will not reveal the footrest linkage when in the retracted position.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a reclining chair incorporating a secondary backrest member which will operate smoothly and without obstruction between retracted and extended positions relative to the primary backrest and at the same time, may be designed with sufficient dimension to provide proper back and head support. Included herein is the provision of such a reclining chair wherein gaps between the primary and secondary backrest when in reclining position heretofore prevelant with prior art chairs, are eliminated or significantly reduced. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a reclining chair wherein the angle between the secondary backrest and the primary backrest when in the T.V. position is relieved when in the fully reclined position to enhance comfort appropriate to the full recline position.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION In summary, the above and other objects are achieved in a reclining chair including a frame having a stationary frame including a base supported from the floor by legs at the corners of the chair, and opposite arm rest projecting upwardly from the base. Pivotally mounted relative to the stationary frame for movement into various inclined reclining positions relative to the horizontal is a seat; the mounting being achieved by a balancing link pivotally connected to the seat as well as the frame. The backrest is pivotally connected to the seat and the main balancing link so as to move downwardly on a constant arc with the rear of the seat into predetermined inclined positions relative to the horizontal when moving from the normal to the T.V. position during which time the balancing link is restrained from moving relative to the frame by means of a restraining linkage.

Mounted below the front of the seat is a footrest linkage, a portion of which is connected to the front end portion of the balancing link such as to be automatically actuated into extended position projected forwardly from the chair when the seat moves relative to the balancing link from upright to T.V. position. The footrest linkage system is of the constrained type and includes a main footrest or leg support at the free end thereof which moves between a vertical position when the footrest linkage is retracted and a generally horizontal position when the footrest linkage is fully extended. Additionally, a secondary footrest for supporting the calvesof the legs is included in the footrest linkage system for movement between a generally horizontal or slightly inclined position when the footrest link age is in the fully retracted position and an extended generally horizontal position when the footrest linkage is in the fully extended position.

When the backrest is further reclined beyond the T.V. position, the restraining linkage permits the balancing link to move relative to the frame while the backrest pivots rearwardly and downwardly relative to the seat and frame the effect of which raises the seat relative to the frame and places the backrest in a further inclined position for reclining.

The secondary backrest is mounted and actuated by means of a linkage system connected to the primary backrest as well as the stationary frame such than when the primary backrest is moved to the T.V. position as described above, the secondary backrest will move from a retracted position behind the primary backrest to an extended position beyond the primary backrest and extending at a predtermined angle relative to the primary backrest to properly support the upper back and head in harmony with the T.V. position. When moving from the T.V. to the fully reclined position, the secondary backrest will undergo a slight reverse movement which will act to relieve the angle between the secondary backrest and the primary backrest which will be suitable for supporting the upper back and the head for the fully reclined position.

The entire linkage system is balanced and automatically operable such that the footrest will be automatically operated between the normal and T.V. positions while the backrest may be moved into a multiplicity of reclining positions where it will be maintained therein through the weight distribution of the chair occupant and the balance of the linkage system.

DRAWINGS Other objects and advantages will become more apparent from the following more detailed description taken in conjunction with the attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a reclining chair embodying the present invention and shown in a reclining position;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view of the chair shown in a normal or upright position with the linkage system retracted and with portions of the chair frame and upholstery shown in phantom lines;

FIG. 2A is a side view of the chair when in the normal or upright position corresponding to that shown in FIG. 2 but with the linkage system omitted and with portions of the upholstery and frame shown in cross section;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the chair similar to FIG. 2 but with the chair in a reclining position intermediate the normal or upright position and the T.V. position;

FIG. 3A is a view similar to FIG. 2A but when the chair is in the position corresponding to that shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the chair similar to FIG. 2 but with the chair in a T.V. position;

FIG. 4A is a view similar to FIG. 2A but when the chair is in the T.V. position corresponding to that shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 2 but with the chair in the fully reclined position;

FIG. 5A is a view similar to FIG. 2A but when the chair is in the fully reclined position corresponding to that shown in FIG. 5 and,

FIG. 6 is a fragmented side view of a slightly modified linkage embodying the invention and shown in position corresponding generally to that shown in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to the drawings in detail and initially FIGS. 1 and 4A, there is shown a reclining chair embodying the present invention and including a stationary frame composed of a base 10 supported from the floor by four legs 12 at the corners of the chair and having upstanding opposite sides 14 terminating in armrests 16. Projected from the front of the chair as shown in FIG. 1 is a foot and leg rest generally designated 18 while support for the back and head is provided by a two part backrest including a primary backrest 20 and a secondary backrest 22. FIG. 4A shows the seat 24 on which there is a cushion 26 formed separately from the seat. Each of the chair parts described may include any conventional frame construction, for example, reactangular wooden frames with the upholstery formed thereon as shown. One such example of the forming is illustrated in FIG. 4A wherein 10a designates a cross frame piece in base 10 of the stationary frame while pieces 20a and 24a designate cross pieces in the primary backrest and seat frames. While the disclosed chair is one incorporating a basic rectangular design, it will be appreciated that any other suitable shapes may be employed in the design of the chair.

FIG. 2A shows the normal or what will be termed the normal or upright position of the chair wherein seat 24 extends in a generally horizontal plane but at a slight incline, with the backrest 20 and 22 projecting upwardly in a generally vertical plane but at a slight in cline and with the secondary backrest 22 located in retracted position behind primary backrest 20. Also in this position, the footrest which includes primary footrest 18a for supporting the feet and secondary footrest 18b for supporting the calves are in the retracted position with the primary footrest 18a extending generally in a vertical plane at the front of the seat 24, and the secondary backrest or calf support 18b extending in a generally horizontal plane but at a slight incline below seat 24 as illustrated in FIG. 2A. It should be understood that base 10 and its sides 14 and armrest 16 which make up the stationary frame, always remain stationary, and various other movable parts move relative to the stationary frame.

Backrest 20, 22 and seat 24 are mounted for movement relative to the stationary frame such that when a chair occupant grips armrests 14 and pushes rearwardly against the backrest with his back, seat 24 and backrest 20, 22 will move into a reclined position depending on the magnitude of force exerted thereon and the distribution of the occupants weight relative to the chair. One position intermediate the upright position shown in FIG. 2A and the fully reclined position shown in FIG. 5 is known as the T.V. position shown in FIGS. 4 and 4A. In this position as can be seen from the drawings, secondary backrest 22 has been elevated beyond and above primary backrest 20 to extend at a certain angle relative thereto while footrests 18a and 18b have been moved to fully extended positions for supporting the feet and legs of the chair occupant.

Should the occupant exert additional force rearwardly against the backrest the chair will be moved towards the fully reclined position shown in FIGS. 5 and 5A where seat 24 has been elevated and the backrest moved relative to seat 24 into a further reclined position, and with footrests 18a, 18b continuing to remain in their extended positions but elevated due to the elevation of seat 24. In the fully reclined position shown in FIGS. 5 and 5A however, secondary backrest 22 undergoes a slight reverse movement to relieve the angle between the secondary backrest 22 and primary backrest 20 which angle while desirable in the T.V. position is undesirable in the fully reclined position.

In order to restore the chair to the T.V. or any other intermediate reclined position or to return it to the original normal or upright position, it is necessary for the occupant to merely lean forward thereby redistributing his weight to change the balance of the system. It should be understood that in any of the reclining positions of the chair, the chair will remain in the desired position by virtue of the occupants weight distribution and the balanced linkage system will be described below.

SEAT AND PRIMARY BACKREST LINKAGE Seat 24 is mounted relative to sides 14 of the stationary frame by means of what will be termed a pair of seat links 30 fixed on opposite sides of seat 24. While in the preferred form of the invention there are two seat links 30 and two sets of linkages on opposite sides of the chair, only one seat link 30 and the related linkage system is shown and will be described since both linkage systems are identical. Seat link 30 in the shown embodiment includes a substantially straight or rectilinear portion fixed along the side of seat 24 and a vertically projecting rear portion 32 located rearwardly of seat 24 as clearly shown in the drawings. Seat link 30 as well as all the other linkage parts to be described may be made from a suitable durable strong rigid material such as steel or any alloys thereof. Any suitable method such as bolts, screws, etc., may be employed for attaching seat link 30 to seat frame 24, there being illustrated apertures such as 34 in the linkages for accommodating the attachment fasteners, not shown.

Seat 24 via seat link 30 is mounted for movement relative to the stationary frame by means of a balancing link 40 connected by pivot 42 to stationary frame for pivotal movement relative thereto, and by means of a link 38 pivotally connected to the front end of seat link 30 by pivot 39 and also pivotally connected to the front end of balancing link 40 by pivot 41. The pivotal connection of balancing link 40 relative to the stationary frame is achieved through a fixed frame link 36 which is suitably rigidly fixed to the side 14 of the stationary frame.

Seat 24 is also mounted at its rear relative to the stationary frame through a means of a generally V-shaped link hereinafter termed a V-link 50 which is rigidly fixed to primary backrest and is pivotally connected by pivot 52 to the extremity of rear seat link portion 32.

V-link 50 includes a lower leg 54 which is connected to balancing link 40 by means of a straight link 56 pivoted at its opposite ends by pivots 57 and 58 to the extremities of lower V-link leg 54 and balancing link 40. Additionally, V-link 50 is connected to the stationary frame via a link 60 which is shown as generally parallel to link 56. This latter connection is achieved through a pivot 62 between an intermediate portion of link 60 and the rear end portion of stationary frame link 36 which extends upwardly and rearwardly from the horizontal portion thereof it being understood that the frame link 36 is fixed to the stationary frame and is stationary at all times.

In order to restrain movement of balancing link 40 when the seat and backrest move from the normal or upright position shown in FIG. 2 to the T.V. position shown in FIG. 4, a restraining linkage is provided which in the first embodiment shown includes a lower extension of link 60, the extension being designated 64and being the part of link 60 which extends downwardly beyond pivot 62 which connects link 60 to stationary frame link 36. The restraining linkage further includes a short restraining link 66 pivotally connected to extension 64 by pivot 67 and also pivotally connectedat its opposite end by pivot 68 to balancing link 40 by means of an elongated slot 69 in balancing link 40 which receives pivot 68 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

When the chair is in the normal or upright position shown in FIG. 2, and the occupant exerts pressure on the backrest which is facilitated by pushing off the armrests 16, the front end of seat link will be raised up wardly and rearwardly and then partly downwardly short of its original elevation by means of link 38 which interconnects seat link 30 and balance link 40. During this motion, balancing link 40 will be restrained against moving by means of restraining linkage 64 and 66 which prevents downward movement of balancing link 40. The rear end of seat link 30 will move on a constant downward are together with V-link 50 causing links 60 and 56 to pivot clockwise relative to stationary frame link and balancing link 40. When the intermediate portion of link 60 engages a stud 36b fixed to stationary link 36, the T.V. position will have been reached, stud 36b acting as a stop in this regard. Should the occupant wish to return to the upright position he merely has to lean forward removing pressure from backrest 20 and redistributing his weight whereupon the linkage will return from the position shown in FIG. 4 to the position shown in FIG. 2 which is determined by a stop 50a fixed at the vertex portion of link 50 to engage the forward edge of seat link 30 as shown in FIG. 2.

SECONDARY BACKREST In the specific embodiment shown, a secondary backrest 22 includes a cushioned back and headrest supporting portion 22a formed on the top of a lower planar portion 22b which is adapted to be'positioned behind primary backrest 20 when in the normal or upright position to form the back surface of the chair. In this latter position, the back and headrest support portion 220 of the secondary backrest is received within opposite sides 20a of primary backrest 20.

The secondary backrest linkage includes a mounting link 70 suitably ridgidly fixed to secondary backrest portion 22b, and a pair of links 72 and 74 pivoted at one of their ends by pivots 71 and 73 to mounting link 70. The opposite ends of links 72 and 74 are pivoted by pivots 77 and 78 to a mounting link 76 which for descriptive purposes may be termed a yoke link. One end of yoke link 76 is pivotally connected by pivot 88 to an actuator link 80 while an intermediate portion of yoke link 76 is pivoted by pivot 82 to the upper leg 55 of V- link 50. Actuator link 80 is pivotally connected to secondary backrest link 72 by means of a connecting link 87 pivotally connected to one end of actuator link 80 by pivot 90 and pivotally connected intermediate the ends of link 72 by pivot 97. Additionally actuator link 80 is pivoted intermediate its ends by pivot 88 to the end of yoke link 76. The lower end of actuator link 80 is pivotely mounted to stationary frame link 36 by means of pivot 94.

In operation, when moving from the upright position shown in FIG. 2 to the T.V. position shown in FIG. 4, actuator link 80 will pivot clockwise about its pivot 94 to stationary frame link 36 such that secondary backrest link 72 will be directed counterclockwise about point 77 rearwardly and upwardly by virtue of its connection by link 86 to actuator link 80. This will also cause link 74 to unfold about pivot 78 thus extending secondary backrest 20 into the back and head support position shown in FIG. 4.

When moving from the T.V. position shown in FIG. 4 to the fully reclined position shown in FIG. 5, V-link 50 pivots in a clockwise direction about pivot 61 connecting it to link 60 the effect of which is to raise the rear of seat link 32 by virtue of its connection at 52 to V-link 50 until the lower edge of V-link 50 engages the stop 95 fixed to seat link 32 as shown in FIG. 5. Also during this motion, link 60 will have moved off center relative to pivot 68 of restraining link 66 allowing balancing link 40 to be pivoted downwardly in its rear by link 56; the balancing link pivoting about pivot 42 to stationary support link 36. The effect will be to raise the front and the rear of seat link 30 to further elevate the seat as shown in FIG. 5. It will be noted from FIG. 4 that when in the T.V. position, pivot 94 of actuator link 80 and pivot 61 of V-link 50 will be slightly eccentric relative to each other. Thus, when moving from the T.V. to the fully reclined position, secondary backrest 22 will undergo a slight reverse movement relative to primary backrest 20 to relieve the angle between the secondary backrest and the primary backrest to place them in a comfortable position for fully reclining.

FOOTREST LINKAGE Footrest support 18a has rigidly fixed thereto a mounting bracket or link 100 to which a pair of footrest links 102 and 104 are pivotally connected by pivots 108 and 106; footrest links 102 and 104 being generally parallel to each other. Footrest links 102 and 104 are pivotably interconnected at their opposite ends by a link 110 pivoted to link 104 by pivot 112 and to link 102 by pivot 114. Link 110 is pivotally connected at its upper end by pivot 116 to one end of a W-shaped link 120 which is also pivotally connected to the rear extremity of footrest link 102 by means of a link 132 and pivot 136. Link 132 is pivotally connected by pivot 138 to an intermediate portion of the W-shaped link 120 to form a parallel linkage with link 110 for actuating footrest links 102 and 104. The rear extremity of W-shape link 120 is pivoted by pivot 125 to a mounting and secondary actuator link 124 which at its upper end is pivoted by pivot 128 to seat link 30. A straight link 130 is pivoted at one end by pivot 126 to mounting link 124 and pivoted at its other end by pivot 129 to an intermediate portion of link 110 to actuate the same.

The primary actuating link for the footrest linkage is link 38 which as described above is also utilized in mounting and actuating the seat relative to balancing link 40 and in turn the frame. Link 38 is pivoted to seat link 30 by pivot 39 and at its lower end is pivoted by link 141 to a lower intermediate portion of W-shape link 120.

In operation, as the chair moves from the upright position to the T.V. position, main footrest actuator link 38 will rotate clockwise about pivot 41 to project W- shape link 120 forwardly which, in turn, together with straight link 130 will actuate parallel links 110 and 132 which in turn will actuate and project footrest links 102 and 104 for pivoting footrest, mounting link 100 in the clockwise direction while projecting same into the extended generally horizontal position.

Secondary footrest support 18b is mounted and actuated through means of a link 150 in the form ofa crank, one end 152 of which is rigidly secured to secondary footrest support 18b. The opposite extremity of link 150 is pivoted at pivot 108 to mounting link 100 of the primary footrest support 182. Secondary footrest link 150 is actuated by means of an actuator link 154 pivoted at 158 to footrest link 102 and at 156 to the bite portion of link 150.

In the fully retracted position shown in FIG. 2, secondary footrest link 150 extends generally in a horizontal plane such that when the chair is moved to T.V. position and primary footrest links 102 and 104 are extended and actuated, link 154 will be actuated to pivot secondary footrest support link 150 in a counterclockwise direction into elevated position for extending the secondary footrest 18b. When in the extended position,

the footrest will remain therein by virtue of the extension of primary actuator link 38 whose position is governed by the weight distribution of the chair occupant. Should the chair occupant lean forward to bring the chair in the upright position, acutation of seat link 30 and actuator link 38 will cause the footrest and linkage to automatically retract.

If desired, a biasing spring in the form of a tension spring 160 may be provided for assisting movement of the footrest linkage to the extended and retracted positions. Spring is anchored at one end at 162 relative to seat 24 and at the opposite ends at 164 relative to balancing link 40. Additionally, spring 160 is mounted relative to pivot 128 of link 124 to provide an overcenter bias depending on the position of spring 160 relative to pivot 128 whereby the spring will impose a yieldable bias with respect to both the extended and retracted positions of the footrest linkage system.

It will be seen that the above described footrest linkage provides enhanced extension of the footrest to permit proper support of the feet and legs while at the same time permitting the entire footrest linkage to be retracted into a compact unit under the chair concealed from exposure.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a linkage system for a recliner chair similar to that described above with the exception of one modification relating to the restraining linkage which is constituted in the abovedescribed embodiment by links 64 and 66. In the modification of FIG. 6, a link 260 is provided corresponding to link 60 in the above-described embodiment however in the presently described modification, the extension 64 is no longer needed. Instead, link 256 in the presently described embodiment which corresponds to link 56 in the above-described embodiment, is provided with a hook portion 258 adapted to be received over a stop 262 projecting from the pivot of link 260 to stationary frame link 36. When the chair moves from the normal to the T.V. position, downward movement of balancing link 40 is prevented by stop 262 which ob structs downward movement of link 256 by virtue of hook 258 engaged over stop 262. When the chair moves beyond the T.V. position towards the fully reclined position, link 256 will have pivoted clockwise sufficiently to clear stop 262 thereby permitting balance link 40 to move downwardly at its rear end under the influence of link 258. The remainder of the linkage in the modification of FIG. 6 is the same as that described above.

What is claimed is:

1. In a reclining chair having a stationary frame, a seat mounted on the frame for movement relative to the frame between normal and reclining positions, and a backrest pivotally connected to the seat to be movable with the seat between normal and reclining positions and to be movable relative to the seat between a partially reclined position and a fully reclined position; linkage means for supporting said seat and backrest for movement relative to the frame between said normal and reclining positions thereof, the linkage means including a balance link extending below said seat, first pivot means pivotally mounting said balance link intermediate its ends to said frame for permitting said balance link to move relative to said frame, a front mounting link pivotally interconnecting front portions of said balance link and said seat, a second, rear mounting link pivotally interconnecting the backrest and a rear end portion of said balance link, said first pivot means being located intermediate the connections of said front and rear mounting links to said balance link, and restraining means preventing pivoting movement of said balance link relative to said frame when the chair moves from a normal to said partially reclined position but permitting pivotal movement of said balance link about said first pivot means relative to said frame under actuation by said rear mounting link when the backrest is moved to a further reclined position beyond said partially reclined position, said linkage means including a third, rear mounting link pivotally connected to said backrest and pivotally connected to said frame forwardly of said second rear mounting link, the pivotal connection between said third mounting link and said backrest acting as a fulcrum for said'back rest when moving beyond said partially reclined position to a further reclined position, said first pivot means being located forwardly of the pivotal connection of the third mounting link to the frame.

2. The reclining chair defined in claim 1 wherein said linkage means includes a first stop means fixed to said frame engageable by said third mounting link when the chair moves into said partially reclined position for preventing further movement of said third mounting link as the chair moves beyond said partially reclined position towards a further reclined position and permitting said third mounting link to act as a fulcrum for said backrest when moving beyond said partially reclined position to said further reclined position, said linkage means including a further stop means on said seat engageable with a portion of said backrest for limiting movement of said backrest to a fully reclined position beyond said partially reclined position.

3. The reclining chair defined in claim 1 wherein said restraining means includes a stop on said third mounting link and a portion projecting from said second mounting link and engageable with said stop.

4. The reclining chair defined in claim 1 wherein said backrest includes a primary backrest to which said seat and rear mounting links are pivotally connected as aforesaid, and a secondary backrest movable between a retracted position behind the primary backrest and an extended position projected beyond the primary backrest when the chair is moved into said partially reclined position, and wherein there is further included a second linkage means for mounting and actuating said secondary backrest said second linkage means including a pair of secondary backrest links pivotally connected to said secondary backrest, a secondary backrest mounting link pivoted intermediate its ends to said primary backrest for rotation relative thereto, said secondary backrest links being pivotally connected to said backrest mounting link at one side of the pivot of the secondary backrest mounting link to said primary backrest, and a secondary backrest actuator link pivotally connected intermediate its ends to said secondary backrest mounting link at the side of its pivot to said primary backrest opposite the side of said secondary backrest links, one end portion of said actuator link being pivotally mounted relative to said frame while the other end of said actuator link being pivotally connected to one of said secondary backrest links.

5. The reclining chair defined in claim 4 wherein said second linkage means further includes a connecting link pivotally interconnecting said actuator link and one of said secondary backrest links.

6. The reclining chair defined in claim 4 further including a footrest movable between a retracted position underlying said seat and an extended position projected forwardly from the front of the seat, and wherein there is further included third linkage means for mounting and actuating said footrest between said extended and retracted positions thereof, said third linkage means including said front mounting link which actuates said third linkage means between extended and retracted positions of said footrest.

7. The reclining chair defined in claim 6 wherein said third linkage means includes a pair of generally parallel footrest links pivotally connected at spaced locations to said footrest, and wherein there is further included a leg support for supporting the calves of the legs and being movable between a retracted position below said seat and an extended position projected forwardly of said seat but rearwardly of said footrest, said third linkage means further including a leg support mounting link fixed to said leg support and pivotally connected to said footrest at the same location as one of said footrest links, and a leg support actuator link pivotally connected to the other of said footrest links and pivotally connected intermediate the ends of said leg support mounting link for causing actuation of said leg support between said extended and retracted positions thereof.

8. The reclining chair defined in claim 1 further including a footrest movable between a retracted position underlying said seat and an extended position projected forwardly from the front of the seat, and wherein there is further included second linkage means for mounting and actuating said footrest between said extended and retracted positions thereof, said second linkage means including said front mounting link which actuates said second linkage means between extended and retracted positions of said footrest.

9. The reclining chair defined in claim 8 wherein said second linkage means includes a pair of generally parallel footrest links pivotally connected at spaced locations to said footrest, and wherein there is further included a leg support for supporting the calves of the legs and being movable between a retracted position below said seat and an extended position projected forwardly of said seat but rearwardly of said footrest, said second linkage means further including a leg support mounting link fixed to said leg support and pivotally connected to said footrest at the same location as one of said footrest links, and a leg support actuator link pivotally connected to the other of said footrest links and pivotally connected intermediate the ends of said leg support mounting link for causing actuation of said leg support between said extended and retracted positions of said leg support.

10. In a reclining chair including a seat, and a primary backrest movable between a normal generally upright position and a reclining position extending at an incline to the vertical; a secondary backrest and linkage means mounting said secondary backrest to the primary backrest for movement between a retracted position located behind the primary backrest when the latter is in the upright position and an extended position projected beyond the primary backrest when the latter is in a reclined position, said linkage means including a mounting link pivoted intermediate its ends thereof to said primary backrest for rotation relative thereto, a pair of secondary backrest links pivotally connected to said secondary backrest and also pivotally connected to said mounting link at one side of the pivotal connection of the mounting link to the primary backrest, an actuator link having one end portion mounted for pivotal movement relative to the chair and an opposite end portion pivotally connected to one of said secondary backrest links, said actuator link being pivotally connected intermediate its ends to said mounting link on the opposite side of the pivotal connection of the mounting link to the primary backrest.

11. The chair defined in claim wherein said one of said secondary backrest links is pivotally connected to said mounting link at one of the ends thereof and wherein the other secondary backrest link is pivotally connected to said mounting link at a point intermediate the pivotal connection to the primary backrest and the pivotal connection to said one secondary backrest link.

12. The chair defined in claim 10 further including a fulcrum means about which said primary backrest moves when moving between a partially reclined position at which said secondary backrest is in the extended position and a fully reclined position and at which said secondary remains in said extended position, and wherein the pivotal connection of said actuator link and the chair is adjacent but eccentric relative to the fulcrum means when the primary backrest is in the partially and fully reclined positions such that the angle between the primary backrest and secondary backrest is greater in the fully reclined position than in the partially reclined position.

13. For use in a reclining chair having a stationary frame, a seat mounted on the frame for movement relative to the frame between normal'and reclining positions, and a backrest pivotally connected to the seat to be movable with the seat between normal and reclining positions and to be movable relative to the seat between a partially reclined position and a fully reclined position; a linkage means for supporting said seat and backrest for movement relative to the frame between said normal and reclining positions thereof, the linkage means including a seat link adapted to be fixed to the seat to be movable therewith, a backrest link adapted to be fixed to the backrest to be movable therewith, said backrest link being pivotally connected to a rear end portion of said seat link, a frame link adapted to be fixed to the frame and extending generally below said seat link and rearwardly thereof, a balancing link extending generally between said frame and seat link and pivotally connected intermediate its ends to said frame link, a front mounting link pivotally connected to front portions of said seat link and said balancing link, a rear mounting link pivotally connected to said backrest link and to a rear end portion of said balancing link, and restraining means for preventing pivotal movement of said balancing link relative to said frame link when the backrest is moved from a normal generally upright position to a partially reclined position but permitting pivotal movement of said balancing link relative to said frame link under actuation by said rear mounting link when the backrest is moved to a further reclined position beyond said partially reclined position, and wherein said restraining means includes a stop on said mounting link and a portion projecting from said second mounting link and engageable with said stop.

14. For use in a reclining chair having a stationary frame, a seat mounted on the frame for movement relative to the frame between normal and reclining positions, and a backrest pivotally connected to the seat to be movable with the seat between normal and reclining positions and to be movable relative to the seat between a partially reclined position and a fully reclined position; a linkage means for supporting said seat and backrest for movement relative to the frame between said normal and reclining positions thereof, the linkage means including a seat link adapted to be fixed to the seat to be movable therewith, a backrest link adapted to be fixed to the backrest to be movable therewith,

said backrest link being pivotally connected to a rear end portion of said seat link, a frame link adapted to be 5 fixed to the frame and extending generally below said seat link and rearwardly thereof, a balancing link extending generally between said frame and seat link and pivotally connected intermediate its ends to said frame link, a front mounting link pivotally connected to front portions of said seat link and said balancing link, a rear mounting link pivotally connected to said backrest link and to a rear end portion of said balancing link, and restraining means for preventing pivotal movement of said balancing link relative to said frame link when the backrest is moved from a normal generally upright position to a partially reclined position but permitting pivotal movement of said balancing link relative to said frame link under actuation by said rear mounting link when the backrest is moved to a further reclined position beyond said partially reclined position, and wherein the backrest includes a primary backrest to which said seat and rear mounting links are pivotally connected as aforesaid, and a secondary backrest movable between a retracted position behind the primary backrest and an extended position projected beyond the primary backrest when the chair is moved into said partially reclined position; a second linkage means for mounting and actuating said secondary backrest, said second linkage means including a secondary backrest bracket adapted to be fixed to the secondary backrest, a pair of secondary backrest links pivotally connected to said secondary backrest bracket, a secondary backrest mounting link pivoted intermediate its ends to said backrest link for rotation relative thereto, said secondary backrest links being pivotally connected to said backrest mounting link at one side of the pivotal connection to said backrest link, and a secondary backrest actuator link pivotally connected intermediate its ends to said secondary backrest mounting link at the side of its pivot to said backrest link opposite the side of said secondary backrest links, one end portion of said actuator link being pivotally connected relative to said frame link while the other end of said actuator link being pivotally connected to one of said secondary backrest links.

15. For use in a reclining chair having a stationary frame, a seat mounted on the frame for movement relative to the frame between normal and reclining positions, and a backrest pivotally connected to the seat to be movable with the seat between normal and reclining positions and to be movable relative to the seat between a partially reclined position and a fully reclined position; a linkage means for supporting said seat and backrest for movement relative to the frame between said normal and reclining positions thereof, the linkage means including a seat link adapted to be fixed to the seat to be movable therewith, a backrest link adapted to be fixed to the backrest to be movable therewith, said backrest link being pivotally connected to a rear end portion of said seat link, a frame link adapted to be fixed to the frame and extending generally below said seat link and rearwardly thereof, a balancing link extending generally between said frame and seat link and pivotally connected intermediate its ends to said frame link, a front mounting link pivotally connected to front portions of said seat link and said balancing link, a rear mounting link pivotally connected to said backrest link and to a rear end portion of said balancing link, and restraining means for preventing pivotal movement of said balancing link relative to said frame link when the backrest is moved from a normal generally upright position to a partially reclined position but permitting pivotal movement of said balancing link relative to said frame link under actuation by said rear mounting link when the backrest is moved to a further reclined position beyond said partially reclined position, and wherein the backrest includes a primary backrest to which said seat and rear mounting links are pivotally connected as aforesaid, and a secondary backrest movable between a retracted position behind the primary backrest and an extended position projected beyond the primary backrest when the chair is moved into said partially reclined position; a second linkage means for mounting and actuating said secondary backrest, said second linkage means including a secondary backrest, said second linkage means including a secondary backrest bracket adapted to be fixed to the secondary backrest, a pair of secondary backrest links pivotally connected to said secondary backrest bracket, a secondary backrest mounting link pivoted intermediate its ends to said backrest link for rotation relative thereto, said secondary backrest links being pivotally connected to said backrest mounting link at one side of the pivotal connection to said backrest link, and a secondary backrest actuator link pivotally connected intermediate its ends to said secondary backrest mounting link at the side of its pivot to said backrest link opposite the side of said secondary backrest links, one end portion of said actuator link being pivotally connected relative to said frame link while the other end of said actuator link being pivotally connected to one of said secondary backrest links, and wherein the pivotal connection of the third rear mounting link to the primary backrest link is adjacent but eccentric to the pivotal connection of the secondary backrest actuator link to said frame whereby when the backrest moves into a position beyond the partially reclined position into a fully reclined position, the angle between the secondary backrest and the primary backrest is greater in the fully reclined position than in the partially reclined position. 

1. In a reclining chair having a stationary frame, a seat mounted on the frame for movement relative to the frame between normal and reclining positions, and a backrest pivotally connected to the seat to be movable with the seat between normal and reclining positions and to be movable relative to the seat between a partially reclined position and a fully reclined position; linkage means for supporting said seat and backrest for movement relative to the frame between said normal and reclining positions thereof, the linkage means including a balance link extending below said seat, first pivot means pivotally mounting said balance link intermediate its ends to said frame for permitting said balance link to move relative to said frame, a front mounting link pivotally interconnecting front portions of said balance link and said seat, a second, rear mounting link pivotally interconnecting the backrest and a rear end portion of said balance link, said first pivot means being located intermediate the connections of said front and rear mounting links to said balance link, and restraining means preventing pivoting movement of said balance link relative to said frame when the chair moves from a normal to said partially reclined position but permitting pivotal movement of said balance link about said first pivot means relative to said frame under actuation by said rear mounting link when the backrest is moved to a further reclined position beyond said partially reclined position, said linkage means including a third, rear mounting link pivotally connected to said backrest and pivotally connected to said frame forwardly of said second rear mounting link, the pivotal connection between said third mounting link and said backrest acting as a fulcrum for said back rest when moving beyond said partially reclined position to a further reclined position, said first pivot means being located forwardly of the pivotal connection of the third mounting link to the frame.
 2. The reclining chair defined in claim 1 wherein said linkage means includes a first stop means fixed to said frame engageable by said third mounting link when the chair moves into said partially reclined position for preventing further movement of said third mounting link as the chair moves beyond said partially reclined position towards a further reclined position and permitting said third mounting link to act as a fulcrum for said backrest when moving beyond said partially reclined position to said further reclined position, said linkage means including a further stop means on said seat engageable with a portion of said backrest for limiting movement of said backrest to a fully reclined position beyond said partially reclined poSition.
 3. The reclining chair defined in claim 1 wherein said restraining means includes a stop on said third mounting link and a portion projecting from said second mounting link and engageable with said stop.
 4. The reclining chair defined in claim 1 wherein said backrest includes a primary backrest to which said seat and rear mounting links are pivotally connected as aforesaid, and a secondary backrest movable between a retracted position behind the primary backrest and an extended position projected beyond the primary backrest when the chair is moved into said partially reclined position, and wherein there is further included a second linkage means for mounting and actuating said secondary backrest said second linkage means including a pair of secondary backrest links pivotally connected to said secondary backrest, a secondary backrest mounting link pivoted intermediate its ends to said primary backrest for rotation relative thereto, said secondary backrest links being pivotally connected to said backrest mounting link at one side of the pivot of the secondary backrest mounting link to said primary backrest, and a secondary backrest actuator link pivotally connected intermediate its ends to said secondary backrest mounting link at the side of its pivot to said primary backrest opposite the side of said secondary backrest links, one end portion of said actuator link being pivotally mounted relative to said frame while the other end of said actuator link being pivotally connected to one of said secondary backrest links.
 5. The reclining chair defined in claim 4 wherein said second linkage means further includes a connecting link pivotally interconnecting said actuator link and one of said secondary backrest links.
 6. The reclining chair defined in claim 4 further including a footrest movable between a retracted position underlying said seat and an extended position projected forwardly from the front of the seat, and wherein there is further included third linkage means for mounting and actuating said footrest between said extended and retracted positions thereof, said third linkage means including said front mounting link which actuates said third linkage means between extended and retracted positions of said footrest.
 7. The reclining chair defined in claim 6 wherein said third linkage means includes a pair of generally parallel footrest links pivotally connected at spaced locations to said footrest, and wherein there is further included a leg support for supporting the calves of the legs and being movable between a retracted position below said seat and an extended position projected forwardly of said seat but rearwardly of said footrest, said third linkage means further including a leg support mounting link fixed to said leg support and pivotally connected to said footrest at the same location as one of said footrest links, and a leg support actuator link pivotally connected to the other of said footrest links and pivotally connected intermediate the ends of said leg support mounting link for causing actuation of said leg support between said extended and retracted positions thereof.
 8. The reclining chair defined in claim 1 further including a footrest movable between a retracted position underlying said seat and an extended position projected forwardly from the front of the seat, and wherein there is further included second linkage means for mounting and actuating said footrest between said extended and retracted positions thereof, said second linkage means including said front mounting link which actuates said second linkage means between extended and retracted positions of said footrest.
 9. The reclining chair defined in claim 8 wherein said second linkage means includes a pair of generally parallel footrest links pivotally connected at spaced locations to said footrest, and wherein there is further included a leg support for supporting the calves of the legs and being movable between a retracted position below said seat and an extended positioN projected forwardly of said seat but rearwardly of said footrest, said second linkage means further including a leg support mounting link fixed to said leg support and pivotally connected to said footrest at the same location as one of said footrest links, and a leg support actuator link pivotally connected to the other of said footrest links and pivotally connected intermediate the ends of said leg support mounting link for causing actuation of said leg support between said extended and retracted positions of said leg support.
 10. In a reclining chair including a seat, and a primary backrest movable between a normal generally upright position and a reclining position extending at an incline to the vertical; a secondary backrest and linkage means mounting said secondary backrest to the primary backrest for movement between a retracted position located behind the primary backrest when the latter is in the upright position and an extended position projected beyond the primary backrest when the latter is in a reclined position, said linkage means including a mounting link pivoted intermediate its ends thereof to said primary backrest for rotation relative thereto, a pair of secondary backrest links pivotally connected to said secondary backrest and also pivotally connected to said mounting link at one side of the pivotal connection of the mounting link to the primary backrest, an actuator link having one end portion mounted for pivotal movement relative to the chair and an opposite end portion pivotally connected to one of said secondary backrest links, said actuator link being pivotally connected intermediate its ends to said mounting link on the opposite side of the pivotal connection of the mounting link to the primary backrest.
 11. The chair defined in claim 10 wherein said one of said secondary backrest links is pivotally connected to said mounting link at one of the ends thereof and wherein the other secondary backrest link is pivotally connected to said mounting link at a point intermediate the pivotal connection to the primary backrest and the pivotal connection to said one secondary backrest link.
 12. The chair defined in claim 10 further including a fulcrum means about which said primary backrest moves when moving between a partially reclined position at which said secondary backrest is in the extended position and a fully reclined position and at which said secondary remains in said extended position, and wherein the pivotal connection of said actuator link and the chair is adjacent but eccentric relative to the fulcrum means when the primary backrest is in the partially and fully reclined positions such that the angle between the primary backrest and secondary backrest is greater in the fully reclined position than in the partially reclined position.
 13. For use in a reclining chair having a stationary frame, a seat mounted on the frame for movement relative to the frame between normal and reclining positions, and a backrest pivotally connected to the seat to be movable with the seat between normal and reclining positions and to be movable relative to the seat between a partially reclined position and a fully reclined position; a linkage means for supporting said seat and backrest for movement relative to the frame between said normal and reclining positions thereof, the linkage means including a seat link adapted to be fixed to the seat to be movable therewith, a backrest link adapted to be fixed to the backrest to be movable therewith, said backrest link being pivotally connected to a rear end portion of said seat link, a frame link adapted to be fixed to the frame and extending generally below said seat link and rearwardly thereof, a balancing link extending generally between said frame and seat link and pivotally connected intermediate its ends to said frame link, a front mounting link pivotally connected to front portions of said seat link and said balancing link, a rear mounting link pivotally connected to said backrest link and to a rear End portion of said balancing link, and restraining means for preventing pivotal movement of said balancing link relative to said frame link when the backrest is moved from a normal generally upright position to a partially reclined position but permitting pivotal movement of said balancing link relative to said frame link under actuation by said rear mounting link when the backrest is moved to a further reclined position beyond said partially reclined position, and wherein said restraining means includes a stop on said mounting link and a portion projecting from said second mounting link and engageable with said stop.
 14. For use in a reclining chair having a stationary frame, a seat mounted on the frame for movement relative to the frame between normal and reclining positions, and a backrest pivotally connected to the seat to be movable with the seat between normal and reclining positions and to be movable relative to the seat between a partially reclined position and a fully reclined position; a linkage means for supporting said seat and backrest for movement relative to the frame between said normal and reclining positions thereof, the linkage means including a seat link adapted to be fixed to the seat to be movable therewith, a backrest link adapted to be fixed to the backrest to be movable therewith, said backrest link being pivotally connected to a rear end portion of said seat link, a frame link adapted to be fixed to the frame and extending generally below said seat link and rearwardly thereof, a balancing link extending generally between said frame and seat link and pivotally connected intermediate its ends to said frame link, a front mounting link pivotally connected to front portions of said seat link and said balancing link, a rear mounting link pivotally connected to said backrest link and to a rear end portion of said balancing link, and restraining means for preventing pivotal movement of said balancing link relative to said frame link when the backrest is moved from a normal generally upright position to a partially reclined position but permitting pivotal movement of said balancing link relative to said frame link under actuation by said rear mounting link when the backrest is moved to a further reclined position beyond said partially reclined position, and wherein the backrest includes a primary backrest to which said seat and rear mounting links are pivotally connected as aforesaid, and a secondary backrest movable between a retracted position behind the primary backrest and an extended position projected beyond the primary backrest when the chair is moved into said partially reclined position; a second linkage means for mounting and actuating said secondary backrest, said second linkage means including a secondary backrest bracket adapted to be fixed to the secondary backrest, a pair of secondary backrest links pivotally connected to said secondary backrest bracket, a secondary backrest mounting link pivoted intermediate its ends to said backrest link for rotation relative thereto, said secondary backrest links being pivotally connected to said backrest mounting link at one side of the pivotal connection to said backrest link, and a secondary backrest actuator link pivotally connected intermediate its ends to said secondary backrest mounting link at the side of its pivot to said backrest link opposite the side of said secondary backrest links, one end portion of said actuator link being pivotally connected relative to said frame link while the other end of said actuator link being pivotally connected to one of said secondary backrest links.
 15. For use in a reclining chair having a stationary frame, a seat mounted on the frame for movement relative to the frame between normal and reclining positions, and a backrest pivotally connected to the seat to be movable with the seat between normal and reclining positions and to be movable relative to the seat between a partially reclined position and a fully reclined position; a linkage means for supporting said seat and backrest for movement relative to the frame between said normal and reclining positions thereof, the linkage means including a seat link adapted to be fixed to the seat to be movable therewith, a backrest link adapted to be fixed to the backrest to be movable therewith, said backrest link being pivotally connected to a rear end portion of said seat link, a frame link adapted to be fixed to the frame and extending generally below said seat link and rearwardly thereof, a balancing link extending generally between said frame and seat link and pivotally connected intermediate its ends to said frame link, a front mounting link pivotally connected to front portions of said seat link and said balancing link, a rear mounting link pivotally connected to said backrest link and to a rear end portion of said balancing link, and restraining means for preventing pivotal movement of said balancing link relative to said frame link when the backrest is moved from a normal generally upright position to a partially reclined position but permitting pivotal movement of said balancing link relative to said frame link under actuation by said rear mounting link when the backrest is moved to a further reclined position beyond said partially reclined position, and wherein the backrest includes a primary backrest to which said seat and rear mounting links are pivotally connected as aforesaid, and a secondary backrest movable between a retracted position behind the primary backrest and an extended position projected beyond the primary backrest when the chair is moved into said partially reclined position; a second linkage means for mounting and actuating said secondary backrest, said second linkage means including a secondary backrest, said second linkage means including a secondary backrest bracket adapted to be fixed to the secondary backrest, a pair of secondary backrest links pivotally connected to said secondary backrest bracket, a secondary backrest mounting link pivoted intermediate its ends to said backrest link for rotation relative thereto, said secondary backrest links being pivotally connected to said backrest mounting link at one side of the pivotal connection to said backrest link, and a secondary backrest actuator link pivotally connected intermediate its ends to said secondary backrest mounting link at the side of its pivot to said backrest link opposite the side of said secondary backrest links, one end portion of said actuator link being pivotally connected relative to said frame link while the other end of said actuator link being pivotally connected to one of said secondary backrest links, and wherein the pivotal connection of the third rear mounting link to the primary backrest link is adjacent but eccentric to the pivotal connection of the secondary backrest actuator link to said frame whereby when the backrest moves into a position beyond the partially reclined position into a fully reclined position, the angle between the secondary backrest and the primary backrest is greater in the fully reclined position than in the partially reclined position. 